HYDERABAD: Experts at the 2nd Thar Traditional and Cultural Festival recently held at Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam, urged authorities to designate Thar as a special development region and advocated increased tourism initiatives and infrastructural improvements in the arid region.

They recommended to the government to promote tourism, preserve Thar`s cultural heritage, improve rainwater harvesting systems, conserve wildlife and advance agricultural and environmental research.

SAU vice chancellor Dr Altaf Ali Siyal highlighted Thar`s unique historical and cultural significance and underscored the need for promoting organic crop cultivation, medicinal plants and handicraft industry in the region.

He stressed the need for enhancing market access for nutrient-rich agricultural and veterinary products of Thar in metropolitan cities.

Sindh Assembly`s member Imdad Ali Pitafi said that SAU played a significant role in advancing the province`s agriculture and education sectors, particularly in rain-fed agriculture in Thar, and acknowledged Sindh government`s vital steps for the development of the arid region.

Former VC Dr Fateh Marri pointed out that Thar was rich in mineral, cultural and agricultural resources. A Thar University and a Thar Development Authority should be established for the development of the region, he said.

He praised resilience and hard work of Thari women and stressed the importance of promoting local handicrafts. Institutions needed to support commercialisation of organic, chemical-free food products, he said.

Nasir Panhwar, a development activist, discussed ecological changes affecting Thar, noting shift from traditional ecofriendly huts (Chauoro) to cemented houses and decline in peacock population as indicators of environmental disturbances.

He talked about adverse impact of coal mining on the region`s environment and called for university-led research to mitigate these effects.

Ms Zahida Detho, a development activist, urged authorities to designate Thar as a special development region and advocated increased tourism initiatives and infrastructural improvements.

She called for end to role of middlemen in handicraft industry to ensure fair wages for Thari women and establishment of educational institutions and skill development centers for their empowerment.

Director of University Advancement and Financial Assistance at SAU Dr Mohammad Ismail Kumbhar pointed out that over half of Sindh`s land including Thar, Achhro Thar, Nara, Kohistan, and Kachho, required extensive research in agriculture and mineral resources.

Social reformer and SAU alumna from Thar, Ms Pushpa Kumari, underscored the transformative role of education in Thar`s development. Thar Students` Council leader Shankar Singh Sodhi presented welcome address while Imtiaz Noor Kumbhar moderated the event.